Fish and Wildlife Department asks Caltrans to cease work on Highway 41 project

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has asked Caltrans to cease work on a portion of the Highway 41 passing lanes project near Road 208 until its concerns over an environmental survey are met.

Between March and April, a biological consultant studied the length of the 1.7-mile-long expansion lanes and concluded there were no active nests of the Swainson’s Hawk - listed as a threatened species in 1983 - within 0.5 miles of the project area.

Lukens said portions of the project have been put on hold until the issue is resolved - June 20 being the earliest possible date - but neither the construction as a whole, or drivers, will be affected.

“I wouldn’t even call it a setback, really,” Lukens said. “They’ll be stopping work on just some parts next week to see if any nests have been established.”

Lukens added no blasting is scheduled for the week beginning June 13.

The Streambed Alteration Agreement for the project requires Caltrans to complete protocol level Swainson’s Hawk surveys. In February, work on the project was delayed for a separate environmental concern, when threatened California Tiger Salamanders were found in construction areas.

After CDFW concurrence with next week’s survey is obtained, work will begin in the drainage areas, Lukens said.